The Guardian's annual charity appeal has concluded with a powerful demonstration of public support, raising more than £1 million to fund organisations dedicated to combating social division and hatred across the United Kingdom.
A Resounding Response to a Call for Hope
Closing on Thursday, the Hope appeal successfully garnered £1,035,000, inclusive of estimated Gift Aid, from the generosity of its readership. More than 10,000 readers contributed to the fund, which will be shared equally among five partner charities working at the grassroots level to promote tolerance, empathy, and stronger community bonds.
Katharine Viner, the Guardian's editor-in-chief, expressed her delight at the response. "The theme of this year's Guardian charity appeal was hope, supporting fantastic projects that foster community, tolerance and empathy," she said. Viner highlighted that the newspaper's reporting over the past year has captured growing public alarm over resurgent racist abuse, the demonisation of refugees, and far-right marches on British streets.
The Charities Driving Change
The five beneficiary organisations deliver practical initiatives designed to build trust and promote positive change on critical local issues. Their work ranges from creating affordable housing and youth clubs to running arts projects and community food kitchens.
The partner charities are:
- Citizens UK: A community organising alliance.
- The Linking Network: Focuses on connecting schoolchildren and building understanding between diverse communities. The charity recently held an event at Bradford City Hall involving local schoolchildren.
- Locality: A national network of community organisations.
- Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust
- Who Is Your Neighbour?
Throughout the six-week campaign, the Guardian published features and short films showcasing the charities' inspiring projects and the people behind them.
Building Resilience and Connection
The charities have warmly welcomed the funding, outlining how the donations will be put to immediate use. A spokesperson for The Linking Network said the "incredible opportunity" would allow them to engage more children and young people in their work of building connected communities.
Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality, thanked readers for their "huge generosity," stating the funds would help members "create resilience, pride and opportunity in some of our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods." Meanwhile, Who Is Your Neighbour? said the support would enable them to expand their work, deliver training, and foster more meaningful conversations across the country.
Many donors included messages of solidarity with their contributions. One reader wrote: "I’m so glad the Guardian is supporting organisations which bring people together, supporting what is humane and in common amongst us all."
This year's Hope appeal continues an 11-year tradition, through which the Guardian appeal has now raised more than £16m for causes including refugee support, homelessness, child poverty, and climate crisis relief.
